In brief
A deep sense of loss envelops the Calgary Zoo community as they mourn the tragic death of Eyare, a beloved young western lowland gorilla. Eyare, who was just two years old, suffered fatal traumatic injuries after a hydraulic door accident on November 12, 2024. The incident occurred when a staff member accidentally activated a door meant to separate Eyare from other gorillas during a routine vaccination training session. Eyare's premature death raises questions about safety protocols within animal care facilities.
Eyare was interacting with fellow gorillas in her enclosure when the staff member mistakenly triggered the closing of a hydraulic door. The animal care team rushed to perform lifesaving measures, but the injuries were too severe, and Eyare was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. Colleen Baird, the zoo's director of animal care, expressed deep condolences, stating that the staff member involved was devastated by the incident and has been temporarily removed from their duties for additional training.Despite the staff member's experience, it serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks in managing wildlife, underscoring the necessity for constant vigilance and training within animal care environments. Eyare's death is a significant loss, not only to the Calgary Zoo but also to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the endangered species. The zoo, currently home to six other western lowland gorillas, has committed to reviewing protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and animals moving forward.As the zoo community grieves for Eyare, they also reflect on the urgency of improving safety measures, hoping that this sorrowful event will spur positive changes that prevent future tragedies.
